E-coupon settlement and clearing process

ABSTRACT

A system that automates the clearing and settlement of electronic coupons (E-Coupons) by leveraging existing technologies and enabling E-Coupon redemption at any merchant having electronic funds transfer (EFT) capabilities, such as credit/debit card acceptance. The system reduces opportunities for fraud, reduces or eliminates the need for manual clearinghouse counting and sorting of coupons, and provides an electronic audit trail for coupon redemption, tying a specific purchase to a specific coupon. After registering and selecting coupons, consumers then use an E-Coupon card or account access device at a merchant&#39;s point-of-sale (POS) terminal. E-Coupon values are deducted from the consumer&#39;s final amount due. Both consumer package goods manufacturers (CPGs) and merchants may be charged a fee. Expired coupons are automatically removed from the account and their value refunded to the CPGs. Reports on redeemed coupons and consumer profiles can be generated and provided to CPGs or merchants.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/294,365 filed Mar. 6, 2019 (now allowed), which is a Continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 12/344,954 filed Dec. 29, 2008, issued as U.S.Pat. No. 10,248,951, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims thebenefit of priority from U.S. application Ser. No. 11/741,426, filedApr. 27, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entiretyand which claims the benefit of priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/812,350, entitled “E-coupon System”, filed Jun. 9,2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and isa continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of priority from U.S.application Ser. No. 11/285,053, filed Nov. 22, 2005, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety and which claims thebenefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/632,332,filed Dec. 1, 2004, which is also incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to the field of a discountprocessing system and method. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to an electronic discount processing system and method includingelectronic coupons.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Discount coupons have changed very little since they were firstintroduced. The only significant enhancement to the couponing processoccurred in 1985 with the introduction of unique product codes, whichenabled coupons to be scanned, rather than manually keyed into the cashregister.

One such unique product code is issued and managed by the Uniform CodeCouncil (UCC). This unique product code system, or more specifically, aUniversal Product Code (UPC), contains information identifying amanufacturer and an item in a numeric and graphical way. Because ofnumerous benefits, UPCs are now found on almost all items sold in retailoutlets.

Despite the use of UPCs, the coupon clearing process is currently stillinefficient, highly labor intensive, and vulnerable to fraudulentactivity. Consumers clip coupons and redeem them at merchant locationsfor discounts off the purchase price of selected items. While themerchants provide an instant price adjustment on the products for whichthe coupons are submitted, these merchants must then wait one month ormore for reimbursement by manufacturers (coupon sponsors).

While coupon redemption procedures vary by merchant, the typical processis diagrammed at FIG. 1. Once submitted by a consumer, the cashier scansa coupon at the merchant's point-of-sale (POS), for example, a cashregister. The POS system matches the UPC of the coupon with thecorresponding product from the purchaser's shopping basket. The POSsystem prints the coupon detail at the bottom of the purchaser's receiptand adjusts the total transaction amount accordingly. At the end of theshift (or day), the coupons collected at the POS are totaled as if theywere cash. Then they are added to the cash sum of the POS to ensure thatthe overall total for the cash drawer is accurate.

For multiple store chains, the merchant sends all redeemed coupons toits corporate headquarters on a regular basis. In larger chains, thevalue of these coupons can easily total millions of dollars. Typically,the corporate headquarters boxes up all of the collected coupons andsends them to a third party clearinghouse. The clearinghouse then sortsthrough the millions of coupons, often by hand, separating them bycoupon sponsor. The term “coupon sponsor,” as used herein, is a product,goods or service provider, or manufacturer offering coupons. An invoiceis then sent to each coupon sponsor for the total redeemed coupon valuesby merchant along with a processing charge (typically 8 cents percoupon) and the redeemed coupons. To detect fraudulent accounting,coupon sponsors often send these coupons to their own clearinghouse forvalidation. Therefore, it typically takes 4-6 weeks to reimburse themerchant and finally settle the accounts.

Electronic coupons and variations thereof have become more recentlyknown in the art. For example, the below-referenced U.S. patents andpublished U.S. applications disclose embodiments that were at least, inpart, satisfactory for the purposes for which they were intended. Thedisclosures of all the below-referenced prior United States patents andapplications, in their entireties, are hereby expressly incorporated byreference into the present application for purposes including, but notlimited to, indicating the background of the present invention andillustrating the state of the art.

U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2004/0031856 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,136 eachdiscloses a physical presence digital authentication system. U.S. Pat.No. 6,450,407 discloses a chip card rebate system. U.S. Pat. Pub. No.2004/0056101 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,049 each discloses a retail salescustomer marketing system with electronic coupon processing. U.S. Pat.Pub. Nos. 2002/0111864 and 2002/0077907 each discloses a system andmethod for managing a coupon. U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2002/0194069 disclosesbusiness systems and methods for a consumer/vendor interface via theInternet to automatically provide discounts. U.S. Pat. Pub. No.2003/0004831 discloses an interactive Internet shopping and dataintegration method and system. U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2003/0130889 disclosesa system and method for electronically generating, clipping andredeeming coupons. U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2004/0054575 discloses a system,method and apparatus for distributing and redeeming customer-selectedcoupons. U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2005/0109841 discloses a multi-interfacecompact personal token apparatus and methods of use. U.S. Pat. Pub. No.2004/0249710 discloses methods and apparatus for implementing loyaltyprograms using portable electronic data storage devices.

However, for one reason or another, the above approaches do not solvethe problem referred to herein. For example, some of the solutions inthe above-cited art have the disadvantage of relatively high cost. Giventhat the financial and consumer products industries are competitivebusinesses, a preferred solution will be seen by the user as being costeffective and worthwhile. A solution is cost effective when it is seenby the user, e.g., a manufacturer, as compelling when compared withother potential uses that the user could make of its limited resources.

What is needed therefore is an electronic coupon “e-coupon” redemption,settlement, and clearing system that preferably: 1) allows for theautomated validation of coupons with the purchase of qualifyingproducts; 2) offers direct benefits including built-in anti-fraudcomponents and coupon clearing cost efficiencies for consumer productmanufacturers and service providers; 3) provides direct benefits tomerchants that redeem coupons by expediting the coupon valuereimbursement process; 4) increases stored-value systems revenuepotential and production revenues; and 5) increases the potentialeffectiveness of consumer product manufacturer's coupon-relatedmarketing efforts by making coupons more convenient and thereforepotentially increasing consumer participation. The term “coupon,” asused herein, may be represented in various forms such as a certainamount of dollars or cents off, a percentage off two-for-one offers, abonus buy, a gift with purchase, a discount, and so on.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

By way of summary, the present invention leverages a variety oftechnologies to preferably create an electronic coupon system thatenables electronic coupon redemption at any merchant having electronicfunds transfer (EFT) capabilities. Hence, this is considered an “openloop” system in that it can be used for multiple purposes at multiplelocations.

This invention automates the coupon settlement and clearing process byutilizing a number of data communications technologies. Of course, thiscan be more easily accomplished if the coupon issuance and redemptionprocess is also automated on the so-called front-end. This preferredfront-end process is explained in co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/741,426, filed Apr. 27, 2007 and entitled “E-Coupon Systemand Method.”

The inventive settlement and clearing process, the so-called back endprocess, is primarily designed to stream-line the settlement of fundsand reduce the opportunities for fraud. The inventive process alsoreduces the duration of the coupon clearing and settlement process inpart by automating it. For example, in one preferred embodiment, couponsredeemed at point-of-sale (POS) are cleared in the same manner asstored-value cards. In this embodiment, as coupons are redeemed, theyare matched against electronic coupon accounts pre-established byconsumers/purchasers as described in the front-end “E-Coupon System andMethod” redemption patent application. These electronic coupon accountsare linked to multiple stored-value reserve accounts pre-established byvarious coupon sponsors. The values of the coupons are automaticallywithdrawn from these accounts and electronically transmitted from thecoupon sponsors' accounts to the redeeming merchant's account either inreal-time or via a batch process.

Preferably, the inventive system processes coupons as a tender type(cash, credit, debit, etc.) rather than merely as an “electronic” couponin which settlement processing and reimbursement take place severalweeks later. By electronically capturing the coupon redemption at thePOS and processing the reimbursement based on that POS electroniccapture, the inventive system automates the redemption validationprocess. It also reduces the opportunities for human error andfraudulent behavior such as unauthorized re-use of coupons and/orerroneous aggregation of coupon values submitted to coupon sponsors. Itties a specific coupon to a specific purchase and also reduces oreliminates the need for manual clearinghouse counting and sorting andprovides an electronic audit trail of coupon redemption.

In one embodiment, electronic coupon redemption occurs when thepurchasing consumer uses his E-Coupon account access device, e.g., aplastic card having readable information, a cell phone, a device havinga magnetic strip, a smart chip, a key fob, a wireless device such asthat found in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/494,958filed on Jul. 28, 2006 and entitled “Authorization System and Method”,the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference, or someother a portable electronic account information storage media, as apayment method at the POS or checkout counter. Utilizing the merchant'scredit card or debit card rails, or other communication line, thetransaction is authenticated by accessing the consumer's E-Couponaccount on the E-Coupon program administrator's server. This serververifies coupon values and corresponding product UPCs.

Upon authentication or validation, a transaction processor thenprocesses the aggregated amount preferably utilizing stored-valuetechnology. A reconciliation of funds occurs real-time or at regularlyscheduled intervals to extract redeemed coupon values from correspondingcoupon sponsor settlement reserve accounts. After funds settlement withthe coupon sponsor, the transaction processor utilizes automatedclearing house (ACH) technology to transfer funds equivalent to theredeemed coupon values to the merchant that redeemed the coupons.

The transaction processing system in one embodiment includes: 1) a firstdata structure configured to contain eligible item identifiersrepresenting available coupon sponsor coupons for items that areeligible for purchase by using a consumer using the at least oneaccount; 2) a second data structure configured to contain product itemidentifiers for items that are presented for purchase by the consumerusing the at least one account; 3) a third data structure configured tocontain transaction data detail; and 4) a decision system using theeligible item identifiers representing available coupon sponsor couponscontained in the first data structure, the purchased item identifierscontained in the second data structure, and the transaction data detailcontained in the third data structure to process transactions andprovide transaction information to the point-of-sale system.

In one embodiment, the invention is a discount system that comprises aglobal communications network, at least one server operably connected tothe network, an access portal on a server including purchaser orconsumer instructions of use and information regarding discountsavailable from a multitude of coupon sponsors, an account access devicefor accessing purchaser account information from a database, and anapparatus at the POS which accepts at least one of product and serviceidentification data. The purchasing consumer uses the account accessdevice at a POS terminal to redeem coupons electronically. The POS isconnected to a backend transaction processor through the globalcommunications network or other communications means. Information isexchanged between the POS terminal and the transaction processor,including the consumer's account information and the UPCs from pendingtransactions.

As mentioned, the POS apparatus preferably reads product or serviceinformation or identification data, such as, a UPC or SKU from a barcode on the product presented for purchase. The SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)is a separate identification number used on consumer goods. Theapparatus, e.g., a scanner or reader, preferably further reads purchaseraccount information from the account access device, e.g., a plastic cardhaving readable information, a cell phone, a device having a magneticstrip, a smart chip, a key fob, a wireless device such as that found inco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/494,958, or some other aportable electronic account information storage media. A processingsystem is provided to treat the discount as an electronic tender type ata point-of-sale (POS).

In one embodiment, the device used as a payment method at POS is alsoassociated with the purchaser's E-Coupon account and the electroniccoupon redemption and processing system is configured to determine thatthis payment device has been associated with an E-Coupon account.Consumers may modify the associated payment method by accessing theircoupon accounts through the “front end” coupon account access system.

In one embodiment, the invention is an electronic coupon redemption andprocessing system in communication with a financial communicationsnetwork. The system includes a network portal, and at least one serveroperable with the network portal. At least one server is operable withthe financial communications network and is used to process financialtransactions. A database of the system is connected to the network andcontains consumer account information. A database also preferablycontains consumer product selection information. A database preferablycontains available coupon sponsor coupon information. Of course, one ofordinary skill in the art will realize that there could be multipledatabases or just one database.

An E-Coupon processing business entity or program administratorpreferably helps create a consumer account and houses selected couponoffers and consumer information. This business entity also preferablycreates and sends an account access device, e.g., an account card, tothe consumer. This business entity preferably further updates theconsumer account as additional coupon offers are selected by theconsumer from the website, with additional offers targeted at theconsumer, as coupons are redeemed by the consumer, and/or as previouslyselected unredeemed coupon offers expire.

A method of an electronic redemption system in one embodiment preferablycomprises the steps of: 1) setting up a coupon service for aparticipating coupon sponsor, 2) creating a coupon account for aconsumer, 3) offering a variety of coupons to a consumer; 4)electronically adding selected coupons to the consumer's account; 5)presenting a product for purchase at a point-of-sale terminal at amerchant; 6) accessing the consumer's account from the point-of-saleterminal; 7) verifying the product presented at the point-of-sale by theconsumer with the coupon in the consumer's account; 8) determining thevalue of the coupon to be subtracted from the total cost of the productpresented; 9) deducting the coupon value from the total cost; 10)transmitting a revised total cost of the product back to thepoint-of-sale terminal 11) deleting the coupon from the consumer'scoupon account; 12) creating a coupon redemption record for themerchant, i.e., retailer redeeming the coupon; 13) paying the merchantbased on the coupon redemption record; 14) sending the redemption recordto a coupon sponsor for the sponsor's coupon presented and approved atthe point-of-sale terminal; and 15) deducting the coupon value from thecoupon sponsor's reserve account. Additional steps may include: 16)creating a consumer profile report; 17) making the report available toat least one of the coupon sponsor and the merchant; 18) facilitatingpromotional communications between the coupon sponsor, merchant, and atargeted consumer; and 19) removing unredeemed coupons from theconsumer's coupon account automatically upon coupon expiration andreleasing any corresponding cash reserves back to the coupon sponsor.The system also preferably has open-loop access so that the card isredeemable at any merchant that currently accepts a multitude of couponsponsors' coupons and has stored-value card acceptance capabilities at apoint-of-sale.

In one embodiment, coupon detail reports are compiled and prepared, forexample, for the merchant and the coupon sponsor on a regular basis,e.g., monthly. These “validation” reports are then sent to theinterested party preferably electronically. They include, but are notlimited to, a detailed accounting of coupon redemption activity forspecified time periods, a summarization of activecoupons/values/expiration dates, and a detailed accounting report of themovement of funds in and out of the coupon sponsor's reserve account.

In one embodiment, the program administrator may assess a couponselection charge, a coupon redemption service charge, an account accessdevice production charge, report generation charge, and/or a generalparticipation service charge to combination of the merchant, consumer,and coupon sponsor.

In one embodiment, a print out or notification on an output screen at,for example, the point-of-sale is made available to the consumer tonotify or remind said consumer of coupons added to the consumer's couponaccount by either the consumer or a coupon sponsor. Preferably, theoutput screen can be configured to prompt for responses from theconsumer or merchant.

In one embodiment, there is a predetermined maximum and minimum amountto the sponsor's reserve account. When sponsor's reserve account balancedrops below minimum, more funds are added from the sponsor's cashreserves, up to the maximum amount.

These, and other aspects and objects of the present invention, will bebetter appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction withthe following description and the accompanying drawings. It should beunderstood, however, that the following description, while indicatingpreferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way ofillustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications maybe made within the scope of the present invention without departing fromthe spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting thepresent invention, and of the construction and operation of typicalmechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readilyapparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting,embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a partof this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate thesame elements in the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art flow chart diagram;

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart diagram according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a system diagram according to one aspect of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary access portal according to one aspect ofthe present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a system diagram according to a further aspect of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a process flow diagram according to one aspect of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a process flow diagram according to another aspect ofthe present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a process flow diagram according to another aspect ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a business process flow diagram according to anotheraspect of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows one other alternative embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 11 illustrates a process flow diagram according to another aspectof the present invention.

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention, which isillustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted tofor the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the inventionbe limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understoodthat each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operatein a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, thewords connected, connection, or terms similar thereto are often used.They are not limited to direct connection or attachment but includeconnection or attachment through other elements where such is recognizedas being equivalent by those skilled in the art.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention and the various features and advantageous detailsthereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limitingembodiments described in detail in the following description.

1. System Overview

The invention is preferably a system that automates the clearing andsettlement of E-Coupons. As mentioned earlier, such a system is calledan “open-loop” system. An open-loop system having an access card isfurther described by the Assembly Committee on Banking and Finance inthe following excerpt from an information hearing on “The Growing Use ofStored-Value Cards” dated Oct. 12, 2005. “With an open-loop system, thecardholder can use the card for multiple purposes and at many points ofsale in order to purchase goods or services . . . ” “Open-loop cards maybe issued for use in one mall where the cardholder can use the card tomake purchases at any store in the mall.” “Other open-loop cards may beusable at any place a bank card is accepted, not just the stores in onemall.”

In one embodiment, a coupon account would be created and “reloadable”with coupon values by the consumer, preferably via the Internet, andwould replace the need for coupon clipping.

The system preferably comprises a mobile account presentation means,e.g., an access device for the consumer that has an account associatedwith it for coupon redemption at a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal. Thesystem also includes a program administrator for updating the accountwith selected product coupon values, product information, and expirationdates. Coupon sponsors, such as consumer product manufactures are asked,e.g., through cash reserves, to cover the value of each selected productcoupon.

A mechanism allows registered consumers to check and print out theirE-Coupon account contents, e.g., from a website if the access device isa card, or account contents may be directly viewed via the device if itis a cellular phone, PDA, or other wireless device. The mechanism alsopreferably allows consumers to update and reload their account withadditional coupons at any time.

System requirements preferably are straight forward, as much of thetechnology required to support the E-Coupon card product offeringcurrently exists. These requirements include a web portal for consumeraccess to coupons. The web portal could be developed and maintainedinternally by a program administrator, e.g., an E-Coupon processingcompany or by partnering with an existing on-line coupon website. Onesuch existing website is www.smartsource.com, a News America Marketingcompany. This website features a vast array of coupons available forprinting by consumers. It supplements the Smart Source Magazine, thenation's largest coupon freestanding insert (FSI), with distribution to70 million households via 1,200 newspapers. Relationships with consumerpackage goods manufacturers (CPGs) are already in place at News AmericaMarketing.

A second requirement is account set up ability, including preferablycard order processing capability, which can be either outsourced ordeveloped internally by the program administrator or E-Coupon processingbusiness. Producing cards, programming cardholder identificationinformation, and fulfilling card orders could also be outsourced orhandled internally. Additional requirements, such as electronic fundstransfer processing capabilities may be handled by electronictransaction payment processing companies. Finally, data management andreport creation could be handled by the transaction processor, or acompany providing strategic customer information services. Examples ofreports include demographic and geographic profiles of E-Coupon accountholders, by product and product category, and comparison of download andredemption trends against download and redemption trends of othermanufacturers within the same product category. Another report mayinclude consumer selected coupon statistics for a given geographicalarea, which a merchant in that same area may use for inventory controland in-store product placement. Additional system features will becomeapparent from the detailed description below.

2. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments Definitions

Coupon Sponsor. Entity supplying or sponsoring coupon offer, typically aconsumer product manufacturer, or so-called consumer package goodsmanufacturers (CPGs) such as Proctor & Gamble of Cincinnati, Ohio

Consumer/Purchaser: Anyone who may use the E-Coupon system includingretail shoppers, commercial/industrial buyers, and other purchasers orwould be customers.

Transaction Processor: An entity to process the coupon redemptiontransactions. Preferably, the entity offers services that includeelectronic funds transfer (EFT) and other payment processing servicesincluding the compiling, analyzing, and reporting of the same. Such apreferred service provider may be Metavante Corp. of Milwaukee, Wis.E-Coupon: An electronic representation of coupon or discount stored in adatabase and taking various forms such as a certain amount of dollars orcents off, a percentage off, two-for-one offers, a bonus buy, a giftwith purchase, and so on.Network: The coupon redemption transaction processing system, e.g.,existing automated clearing house (ACH) systems which are tapped intoexisting financial transaction processing networks run, for example, byVisa® or MasterCard®.Merchant: Location where Consumer redeemed coupon(s), usually a grocerystore or a merchant such as Wal-Mart® or Walgreens®.Program Administrator: An entity to manage the front-end or Consumerportion of the E-Coupon program and to work with the Coupon Sponsors toestablish the manufacturer reserve accounts. Such a preferred serviceprovider may be Metavante Corp. of Milwaukee, Wis.

FIG. 1 shows a prior art process of traditional coupon redemption andclearing. First, paper coupons are published by consumer productmanufacturers and/or other companies. These paper coupons are primarilydistributed through newspaper inserts or direct mailings. Consumers clipand save these coupons for use while shopping. Next, the paper coupon isredeemed at the point-of-sale terminal at a Merchant. Presently, themajority of coupons are redeemed at grocery stores. At the end of eachbusiness day, coupons are summed by register at the Merchant to balancecash drawers. Coupons are then typically bagged in clear plastic bags,e.g., polybags. In larger chains, polybags are regularly collected andsent to the merchant headquarters, e.g., on a weekly basis. The merchantheadquarters (HQ) consolidates the coupons and sends them to aclearinghouse (CH). The clearinghouse sorts the coupons, often by hand,by manufacturer and UPC scanability. The clearinghouse totals the couponvalues and sends the coupons and an invoice to the manufacturer. Themanufacturer then issues a payment or check to the clearinghouse ordirectly back to the Merchant that originally redeemed the coupons. Theinvoice includes the coupon values plus a processing fee, which might beas much as eight cents per coupon. The manufacturer may then send thecoupons to its own clearinghouse for recounting to detect fraud orinaccurate coupon counting.

Various preferred aspects of an E-Coupon system of the present inventionare best illustrated in FIGS. 2-11. As shown in FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 4,the E-Coupon system 5 includes a Consumer 10 that accesses the E-Couponsystem 5 through a global communication network 20, preferably the WorldWide Web via the Internet.

Once access is gained to the system 5, the Consumer 10 is able to visita coupon selection website 30. The coupon selection website 30 isconnected to a coupon database 40 containing UPC and other informationfor goods and services for which E-Coupons are offered. The Consumer 10is able to search, view and select coupon offerings, e.g., E-Coupons 45of interest. Once the Consumer 10 has established an E-Coupon Account 50through a registration process, e.g., FIG. 6, and a coupon selection ismade (shown as block 47), preferably an E-Coupon value processingsystem, e.g. the Program Administrator 55, credits or “loads” theConsumer's E-Coupon Account 50 with detailed coupon information, such asUPC, amount, and expiration date, and stores this information in adatabase 60 associated with the Consumer's E-Coupon Account 50. The term“loads” as used in this application means the updating of the ConsumerAccount 50 with a coupon amount and/or other coupon/product information.The Coupon Sponsors 92 may also load a Consumer's E-Coupon Account 50with E-Coupons 45. The Program Administrator 55 may also be responsiblefor providing a report 85 of selected E-Coupons 45 and their associatedvalues to the Coupon Sponsors 92, such as a consumer-productsmanufacturer.

Once an E-Coupon 45 is selected, the Coupon Sponsor 92 preferablytransfers funds to a cash reserve account 95 that may be accessed by theTransaction Processor 56 to reimburse Merchants, such as retailers, viaelectronic funds transfer (“EFT”), for the amount of the E-Coupon 45upon redemption. Alternatively, there is a predetermined maximum andminimum amount for the sponsor's reserve account 95. When sponsor'sreserve account balance drops below the minimum amount, the sponsor 92transfers more funds to the cash reserve account 95, up to the maximumamount.

FIG. 3 shows another aspect of the invention, for example, a system 100which includes the global communications network 20. Connected to thenetwork 20 is preferably a server 104 operably connected to an accessportal, e.g., E-Coupon website 30. At the access portal 30, Consumers,i.e., Purchasers, are provided with instructions 117 for accountregistration/setup and usage, as well as information 123 regardingavailable E-Coupons 45 from a multitude of Coupon Sponsors 92. After theinitial registration process is complete, an E-Coupon Account 50containing consumer information 109 is created and housed on the server104. This information can be accessed through an account access device80, (and 158 in FIG. 5) which may be a card, key fob, cell phone,personal digital assistant, personal computer, or similar device.Databases containing the consumer's account information 122, the couponsavailable from each Coupon Sponsor 92, which may include what brand,size, weight, discount, and etc. of each E-Coupon is available, 123 andthe consumer's E-Coupon account contents 124, are connected to thenetwork 20 via the server 104.

The global communications network 20 may be connected to a “back end”processor, e.g., Transaction Processor 56. Alternatively, theTransaction Processor 56 is preferably connected to an apparatus, e.g.,POS terminal and processing system 112, in communication with aprocessor 115, through the existing electronic credit/debit processingconnection 121 (e.g., so called “credit rails”) or other communicationconnection. Such a system is described in U.S. application Ser. No.11/285,053. Moreover, the connection 121 between the POS terminal 112and the Transaction Processor 56 may be made directly through theTransaction Processor's EFT Network utilizing the ISO 8583 standard,through another financial institution's EFT Network, through a virtualprivate network (VPN) via the Internet, a direct line, or some othersimilar communication means. The information exchange between theterminal 112 and the Transaction Processor 56 includes the Consumer'sE-Coupon Account information and the UPCs from items presented by theconsumer 126 for the pending transaction. The exchange also includes anauthorization amount response corresponding to the total coupondiscount. The Transaction Processor 56 is in communication with adatabase, or data structure, 124 containing the consumer's E-Couponaccount contents, a database, or data structure, 125 containing data onthe transaction details, and a database, or data structure, 126including items presented by the Consumer for purchase. The TransactionProcessor 56 contains a decision system 116 that uses the eligible itemidentifiers representing the consumer's available Coupon Sponsor couponscontained in the first data structure 124, the transaction data detailcontained in the second data structure 125, and the Consumer purchaseditem identifiers contained in the third data structure 126 to processtransactions and provide transaction information to the POS system 112.Further, the POS system may contain a notification device 142, such as adisplay screen or print out, to alert the Consumer 10 as to whichE-Coupons 45 have been added by the Consumer 10 or Coupon Sponsor 92 tothe Consumer Account 50.

At the POS, or point of redemption, information, e.g., SKUs or UPCs, isread into the processing system 112 for each product to be purchasedthrough a device, such as a UPC reader 111, connected to the system 112.Purchaser account identification information 113 stored on the E-CouponAccount card, i.e., access device 80, is also read into the system by anapparatus such as debit/credit card reader 114. This is done inconjunction with, or at the conclusion of; scanning the items theConsumer 10 is purchasing. In an alternative embodiment, the Consumer 10could choose to associate the E-Coupon Account 50 with an existingpayment device, for example a credit or debit card, in which case theaccess device 80 is the same as the same as the payment device, andwould be recognized as such by the Transaction Processor 56.

Referring again to FIG. 4, a system for selecting E-Coupons 45 from anelectronic coupon website 30 is shown. The Consumer 10, i.e., thePurchaser, accesses website 30 through a mechanism, e.g. the Internet20, via computer, PDA, or other connectivity method. A listing ofE-Coupons 45 is displayed on the screen in its entirety or limited bysearching by Coupon Sponsors 92, by coupon category 138, or by othersearchable fields. Such Coupon Sponsors 92 may be manufacturers orservice providers such as Proctor & Gamble, General Cinema, and thelike. The listing preferably has multiple sorting capabilities 136 thatpermit a Consumer 10 to sort by Coupon Sponsor 92, product or servicetype, product size, brand-name, particular store layouts, expirationdates 139, and so on. Description and value information 140 is alsoavailable for each E-Coupon 45 and underlying item product listed on thewebsite 30. An example of available information for an E-Coupon 45 mayinclude, Pledge® Dusters, $1.00 off any size, expires Dec. 31, 2010,General Cinema Movie Admission, $0.75 off, Applebee's® buy one dinnerget one free, and so on. An interface 141 e.g., a clickable icon orselectable check box, allows Consumers 10 to select E-Coupons 45 ofinterest. A tool, e.g., a mouse, may be used to make such a selection. Alink or portal, e.g. an icon leading to an online registration form, mayalso be present to allow a first-time user to enter requiredinformation, set up an account 50 to select E-Coupons 45, and makefuture selections using the website 30. Such a link may also allow usersto update their account information, e.g., address and married name.Once the E-Coupons 45 have been selected, a coupon list may be printedvia a mechanism, e.g. button 168. Other information about the product orthe E-Coupon 45 may also be printed in this manner.

In addition, the Consumer 10 may select an e-mail button 164 on thewebsite 30 to get further information about the products and E-Coupons45 such as alerts prior to coupon expiration dates. In one embodiment, acheck box 166 may be checked to receive product or coupon alerts forselected products when they become available.

In a separate embodiment, the E-Coupon Account 50 may only acceptE-Coupons 45 from a particular Coupon Sponsor 92. Referring again toFIG. 2, a Coupon Sponsor 92 updates the E-Coupon Account 50electronically with the E-Coupons 45 that have been selected by theConsumer 10. The E-Coupon Account 50 may also be updated as subsequentcoupon offers are selected from the website 30 or as previously selectedbut unredeemed E-Coupons 45 expire.

FIG. 5 illustrates another aspect of the electronic coupon system 5.Here the system 5 is shown with the Transaction Processor 56 connectedto a plurality of Merchant POS systems or terminals 112. The TransactionProcessor 56 processes the E-Coupons 45 but also accesses cash reserveaccounts 95 from various Coupon Sponsors 92 that may be used to coverthe value of E-Coupons 45 redeemed by the Consumers 10 at the terminals112. One mobile account access device 158, shown in this aspect as acell phone, which via a mechanism, such as a wireless Internet card orBluetooth® technology, enables Consumers to check account balances,display and/or print E-Coupon Account contents, and to electronicallyreload their accounts 50 with additional E-Coupons 45 at any time. Thedevice 158 may also be a personal digital assistant or personal computerthat has access to a global communications network 20, e.g., the WorldWide Web. Alternatively, a plastic card 110 having readable information113 such as an associated account identifier or unique alphanumericdigits, may serve as the account access device 80 at a POS terminal 112.At the point of sale, the account access device 158 provides open-loop194 access to the electronic coupon system 5. Open-loop access meansthat each E-Coupon 45 stored in the E-Coupon Account 50 can be redeemedor used at a variety of different Merchants or for a variety ofdifferent products. For example, when a Consumer 10 selects a productand presents the card 110 at one Merchant's POS terminal 112A, e.g.,General Cinema Theatres, the card 110 is read by any of the Merchant'sexisting POS or credit/debit card readers 114A. In an open-loop system,the Consumer 10 may also present the card 110 at a POS terminal 112B ofa second Merchant, e.g., Pick 'n Save®, using the second Merchant'sexisting readers 114B. The card 110 can be used at multiple Merchants,for example, at Wal-Mart®, ExxonMobil® gas stations, a dry cleaner, arestaurant, or the corner grocery store, as long as they havestored-value card acceptance capabilities at their POS terminals.

FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of another aspect of the electronic couponsystem 5. In this FIG., the Consumer registration module 250 is shown.In the first step 252, the Consumer visits the E-Coupon website. In thenext step 254, the Consumer has completed a registration process toestablish an individualized account. The coupon system ProgramAdministrator may create the E-Coupon Accounts and related Consumeraccess systems 256.

In step 258, an order is created for the Consumer, so that the Consumermay receive his or her E-Coupon card or download a program to enableaccount access via wireless device (not depicted). In one embodiment,the card may be sent to the Consumer pre-funded with introductory offersand coupons like a gift card. Alternatively, if the coupon systemProgram Administrator permits the user to select E-Coupons 45 before thecard is activated, the card may come with an account loaded withE-Coupons 45 selected by the Consumer similar to a debit card account.In step 260, the E-Coupon card or account access device is provided tothe Consumer. If deemed a requirement, the card is then activated by theConsumer in step 262 via the website prior to use or at a Merchant's POSterminal when used for the first time. The point of purchase or couponredemption may alternatively be at an online grocery store website suchas www.peapod.com.

FIG. 7 shows another aspect 270 of the electronic coupon system 5. Afterestablishing an E-Coupon Account 50 via Consumer registration module 250(FIG. 6), the Consumer visits the E-Coupon website in step 272 and, instep 274, selects from a multitude of Coupon Sponsor coupons to add tohis E-Coupon Account 50. The E-Coupons and associated coupon informationare then added to the Consumer's account in step 276. AdditionalE-Coupons can be added to the account at any time. In step 278, theConsumer visits a retail establishment such as a bricks and mortar storeor a website retailer. The Consumer selects items to purchase as shownin step 280. As part of the checkout process in step 282, the Consumerpresents an E-Coupon Account access device at the terminal to access theE-Coupons 45 stored in his or her E-Coupon Account 50 by, for example,swiping a magnetic strip on the back of an E-Coupon card (i.e., theaccount access device in this example).

In step 284, the applicable coupon values are electronically deductedfrom the Consumer's total purchase amount. The coupon value isessentially treated as one form of electronic tender type, in the sameway that debit, credit or gift cards are also treated as electronictender types. Steps 282 and 284 are part of the coupon authorizationprocess 300 that processes the applicable E-Coupons 45 and is shown ingreater detail in FIG. 8. After the coupon value is applied, a remainingbalance, if any, is transmitted back to the POS terminal and presentedto the Consumer in step 286. This balance represents the total retailprice of the selected product or products after the coupon values havebeen subtracted from the total. The payment of the remaining balance canbe accomplished by check 288, cash 290, debit or credit card 292, giftcard, or any other accepted tender types.

As mentioned, FIG. 8 shows the basic flow of the electronic couponauthorization/substantiation process, or financial system, 300 for theE-Coupon system 5. The process starts after the items are presented forpurchase in step 302 and then scanned at a checkout or POS terminal instep 304. In step 306, the Consumer presents the E-Coupon Account accessdevice, e.g. E-Coupon card, to be scanned or swiped by a standardcredit/debit reader connected to the POS terminal. Alternatively, theConsumer could use a personal information number (PIN) to access theE-Coupon Account 50 by entering it into the system through a portal atthe POS terminal.

In the preferred embodiment shown, at step 308 the POS terminal andprocessing system sends the entire list of UPC data from the pendingtransaction to the Transaction Processor 56. Thereafter, in step 310, aprocessing engine at the Transaction Processor 56 separates and examineseach UPC individually. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the POSterminal 112 could determine the “eligible products” and send only theUPCs for the eligible products to the Transaction Processor 56. In thiscontext, eligible products are products associated with Coupon Sponsors92 who have contracted with a Program Administrator 55 to create anddistribute E-Coupons 45 for at least some of their products. In thisalternative embodiment, each UPC may be compared to a first datastructure, containing eligible item identifiers, by the POS terminal112, by the Transaction Processor 56, or by both to determine if the UPCrepresents an eligible product.

In step 312 of the preferred embodiment, the processing enginedetermines whether a UPC represents an item for which a coupon exists inthe Consumer's E-Coupon Account 50, e.g., a second data structure. If itdoes not, the process then moves to step 316 to determine whether thereare more UPCs from the pending transaction to be examined, and if so,the process moves back to step 310 and a new UPC is selected andexamined. If, in step 312, the processing engine determines that theE-Coupon 45 is in the Consumer's account, i.e., the UPC is for a productwith an associated coupon in the Consumer's E-Coupon Account 50, itthen, in step 314, tallies the coupon values (which are applied in alater step after all the UPCs have been examined and accounted for) andremoves the E-Coupon 45 from the Consumer's account 50. The process thenmoves to step 316 to determine whether there are more UPCs from thepending transaction to be examined. If so, the process moves back tostep 310 and another UPC is selected and examined.

In the preferred embodiment, after all of the UPCs from the pendingtransaction have been examined, the process moves to step 318. In thisstep, a list of redeemed E-Coupons 45 is generated and the totalredeemed coupon amount is subtracted from the total cost. Also, at somepoint of this process 300, expired E-Coupons 45 may be automaticallyremoved from the Consumer's account with the unused coupon amountsreleased back to the Coupon Sponsor from the reserve account.Alternatively, expired E-Coupons 45 can be automatically eliminated fromthe Consumer's account as they expire. In step 320, the coupon detailand new transaction balance are returned to the POS terminal. In oneembodiment, each transaction data detail could be stored in a third datastructure by the Program Administrator 55.

In an alternate embodiment not shown, the POS terminal sends only theE-Coupon Account 50 number to the Program Administrator, which thensends back a list of items with corresponding E-Coupons 45, e.g.,coupons that the Consumer has saved to his E-Coupon Account 50. Theapplicable coupon values are then applied by the POS terminal andprocessing system rather than at the E-Coupon Transaction Processor. Theredeemed E-Coupon information is then sent back to the ProgramAdministrator and the Consumer's E-Coupon Account 50 would be updatedaccordingly. In a still further embodiment (not shown), the UPCinformation could be combined with the payment information and sent tothe Transaction Processor all at the same time. After the UPCs areexamined and coupon values totaled, the payment is processed as a splittender between the redeemed coupon value and Consumer's funds.

FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of a business process 350 associated withthe electronic coupon system 5. In this embodiment the method ofproducing an electronic discount system begins with step 352, producingan account access device, e.g., an E-Coupon card or some other means toaccess an electronic coupon account that is then sent or transmitted toa registered redeemer, e.g., a Consumer. In the next step 354, theConsumer, i.e., the coupon redeemer, and the Coupon Sponsor ormanufacturer may share the cost of producing the account access device.In the next step 356, the Program Administrator charges the CouponSponsor or manufacturer a fee for setting up the E-Coupon service. Thismay include configuring the Coupon Sponsor's systems to send couponinformation to the Program Administrator when E-Coupons 45 becomeavailable. The coupon information would include data such as productinformation (either SKU or UPC numbers), amount, expiration date, and soon. In the next step 358, the Coupon Sponsor is charged a couponredemption service charge after an E-Coupon 45 has been redeemedelectronically at POS by a Consumer. This charge generally includes astep 360 of processing and settling the coupon redemption transaction.In one embodiment, a step 362 includes charging the retailer or Merchanta fee for completing the transaction. In a step 364, the ProgramAdministrator creates a redeemer/consumer report and forwards the reportto the Coupon Sponsor or manufacturer or coupon-redeeming Merchant. Thisreport may be used to help the Coupon Sponsor better plan its discountmethodology, direct marketing, production processes, and productinventory based on E-Coupons 45 selected by Consumers in itsgeographical area. In one embodiment, step 366 includes compilingindividual consumer profile reports to be sold to the Coupon Sponsor tobetter help it tailor its direct marketing advertising efforts tospecific Consumer profiles. In the final step 368 shown, the ProgramAdministrator charges the Coupon Sponsor or manufacturer for thecreation of the specific reports.

While the above described flow illustrates several ways for the ProgramAdministrator to generate revenues, there are additional ways available.For example, such an E-Coupon card process could generate revenue by:

-   -   Card production    -   Coupon download service charge    -   Coupon redemption service charge    -   Processing fee for the transaction    -   Report-creation    -   Compiling individualized consumer profile reports    -   Coupon redemption profiles

An alternative embodiment of the electronic coupon system 215 is shownin FIG. 10. FIG. 10 illustrates one possible flow of transactioninformation between the Merchant's POS terminal 112, a financialcommunications Network 90 and a Transaction Processor 56. This is partof the so-called “back end” process. The connection, e.g., Networkportal 299, between the POS terminal 112 and the Transaction Processor56 via the Network 90 here may be directly through the E-CouponTransaction Processor's electronic funds transfer (EFT) Networkutilizing, e.g., the ISO 8583 standard, through another financialinstitution's EFT Network, through a virtual private network (VPN) viathe Internet, or some other similar communication means. Such methodsare described in detail in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/285,053. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 10, the information exchange between theNetwork portal and the Transaction Processor includes the Consumer'sE-Coupon Account information and the UPCs from the pending transaction301A. The exchange also includes an authorization amount response 301Bcorresponding to the total coupon discount.

FIG. 11 illustrates in further detail the coupon redemption andsettlement process shown as step 360 in FIG. 9. As shown, Coupon Sponsor92 preferably first transfers funds via line 101 to a cash reserveaccount 95 to cover the redemption of specific E-Coupons 45 beingoffered by that Coupon Sponsor for its products or services. However, ifthe E-coupons 45 expire or remain otherwise unredeemed, e.g., because ofa product cancellation or recall, funds may be released back via line102 to the Coupon Sponsor from the reserve account 95.

Once funds are made available to the reserve account 95, the cashreserve account 95 may be accessed via line 103 by the TransactionProcessor 56 to reimburse Merchants, such as retailers, via electronicfunds transfer (“EFT”) who have redeemed E-Coupons 45. As shown, theMerchant's POS terminal 112 transmits a consumer's E-Coupon Account 50access information and the UPCs of items being purchased by the consumervia line 104 and as further shown in FIG. 8. The Transaction Processor56 preferably next determines which UPCs have a corresponding E-Coupon45 in the E-Coupon Account 50 via line 105. Preferably, the value ofE-Coupons 45 that are being redeemed plus a redemption fee are extractedfrom each reserve account 95 of corresponding Coupon Sponsors utilizingthe EFT technology (103) by the Transaction Processor, e.g., aredemption fee of 8 cents. The total value of the E-Coupons 45 beingredeemed in that transaction is then transferred from the TransactionProcessor 56 to the Merchant Account 54 utilizing EFT technology vialine 106. This process may occur in real-time or batch mode. TheTransaction Processor 56 also sends transaction data back via line 107to the POS 112 to indicate the E-Coupons 45 that have been redeemed, thecorresponding value for each redeemed E-Coupon 45, and the remainingamount owed by the consumer. Further, once the transfer of funds fromthe reserve account to the merchant account occurs, the TransactionProcessor 56 preferably then prepares coupon redemption transactionalreports to the Coupon Sponsor 92 for its records.

In terms of alternative embodiments for the current invention, it shouldbe apparent that there are several possible options for back endprocessing. Of course, one goal is to ensure real-time or near real-timesubstantiation, i.e., processing, settling, and clearing applicableE-Coupons, while the customer is purchasing products or services at thePOS. This is sometimes referred to as auto-substantiation.

A. Real-time Auto-Substantiation Record Match

This alternative method is dependent upon a record to be sent to theTransaction Processor from the Program Administrator. As mentionedabove, for example, a single provider, Metavante, may serve as both theTransaction Processor and the Program Administrator. When an E-Couponselection record is received from the front-end of the system, Metavantewill store the record in a database. Upon receipt of a real-timeE-Coupon redemption authorization request, a validation check isperformed to determine if the dollar amount of the authorization willmatch against one or more E-Coupon records in the database. When a matchis determined, and all other authorization checks are valid, thetransaction is approved and a hold record 340 is created for theauthorization. The hold record 340 is marked as substantiated and aresponse is sent back to the Merchant for approval. When the settlementrecord is received in a batch file from the Network and posted to thesystem later, it is matched against the hold record 340 and marked assubstantiated.

B. Selected Merchant Transactions

In this alternative method, when an E-Coupon card is presented forpayment at a selected Merchant, e.g., Walgreens®, a real-timetransaction is sent directly to Metavante® from Walgreens with thedollar amount and product data, e.g. an SKU. Only discount eligibleitems as determined internally by Walgreens are sent, e.g., specialin-store discounts offered only by that Merchant. The Metavante systemperforms validity checks. Metavante posts the requested amount to adatabase and sends a response to Walgreens. Upon receipt of theresponse, Walgreens formats an authorization transaction that is sent toMetavante. The system will perform authorization validation along withvalidation against the database holding the transaction. When a databasematch is determined, and all other authorization checks are valid, thetransaction is approved and a hold record 340 is created for theauthorization. The hold record 340 is marked as substantiated and aresponse is sent back to Walgreens®. When the settlement record isreceived in the batch file from the Network and posted to the system, itis matched against the hold record 340 and marked as substantiated.Walgreens has described a related processing method in US Pat. Pub. No.2005/0178828, which is herein incorporated by reference.

A variation on the above described Merchant system is one implemented byanother retailer, e.g., Wal-mart. Wal-mart has its own InventoryInformation Approval System. When a E-Coupon card is presented forpayment at Wal-mart, its system determines which items are discounteligible and then sends a real-time authorization transaction toMetavante with the dollar amount of the eligible items. The Metavantesystem will perform authorization validity checks and, when applicable,approve the transaction. A hold record 340 is created for theauthorization and marked as substantiated and a response is sent back toWal-mart. When the settlement record is received in the batch file fromthe Network and posted to the system, it is matched against the holdrecord and marked as substantiated.

Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment canbe combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of everyother disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutuallyexclusive.

It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions,modifications, and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the presentinvention are differentiated by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A server comprising: at least one storage devicecomprising instructions; and a processor configured to execute theinstructions to perform operations comprising: receiving, from a userdevice via a communication network, information indicating an electroniccoupon selected by a user; loading, in a first data structure associatedwith the user device, a coupon identifier, a dollar amount, and anexpiration date associated with the selected electronic coupon; inresponse to receiving the information indicating the selected electroniccoupon, transmitting, via the communication network, identificationinformation of the first data structure to the user device; receiving,from a terminal device via the communication network, a couponredemption authorization request, the request comprising theidentification information of the first data structure, transaction dataregarding a purchase, and an item identifier representing a purchaseditem; comparing the item identifier and a dollar amount of the purchaseditem to coupon information stored in the first data structure; and inresponse to comparing the item identifier and the dollar amount of thepurchased item to the coupon information stored in the first datastructure, sending in real-time, via the communication network, anapproval signal to the terminal device.
 2. The server of claim 1,wherein the user device comprises at least one of a mobile phone, awireless device, a personal digital assistant device, or a computer. 3.The server of claim 1, wherein the first data structure is associatedwith an electronic coupon account.
 4. The server of claim 1, wherein theterminal device is a point-of-sale terminal associated with a merchant.5. The server of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise:displaying, via an access portal, a plurality of electronic coupons. 6.The server of claim 5, wherein the access portal is a website.
 7. Theserver of claim 5, wherein the operations further comprise: displayingthe plurality of electronic coupons in response to a search query sentby the user device.
 8. The server of claim 5, further wherein theoperations further comprise: sorting the displayed electronic couponsaccording to at least one of coupon sponsor, product type, service type,product size, brand name, or expiration date.
 9. The server of claim 5,further wherein the operations further comprise: displaying, via theaccess portal, a clickable icon or a selectable check box for each ofthe plurality of electronic coupons.
 10. The server of claim 1, whereinthe operations further comprise: in response to comparing the itemidentifier and the dollar amount of the purchased item to the couponinformation stored in the first data structure, automatically initiatinga funds transfer, via the communication network, to a merchant accountassociated with the terminal device.
 11. The server of claim 1, whereinthe operations further comprise: determining, based on the expirationdate, whether the selected electronic coupon has expired; and inresponse to determining that the selected electronic coupon has expired,automatically removing the coupon identifier of the selected electroniccoupon from the first data structure and automatically releasing unusedfunds associated with the selected electronic coupon to a coupon sponsorof the selected electronic coupon.
 12. The server of claim 1, whereinthe item identifier comprises at least one of a Universal Product Code(UPC) or a Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) number.
 13. The server of claim 1,wherein the communication network comprises at least one of anElectronic Funds Transfer (EFT) network and a Virtual Private Network(VPN).
 14. The server of claim 1, wherein the transaction data comprisesa total transaction balance, and the operations further comprise: inresponse to comparing the item identifier and the dollar amount of thepurchased item to the coupon information stored in the first datastructure, determining an updated transaction balance by subtracting thedollar amount of the purchased item from the total transaction balance,and sending in real-time, via the communication network, the updatedtransaction balance to the terminal device.
 15. The server of claim 1,wherein the item identifier of the purchased item corresponds to theselected electronic coupon, and the operations further comprise:removing the coupon identifier of the selected electronic coupon fromthe first data structure.
 16. A method implemented by a hardwareprocessor of a server, the method comprising: receiving, from a userdevice via a communication network, information indicating an electroniccoupon selected by a user; loading, in a first data structure associatedwith the user device, a coupon identifier, a dollar amount, and anexpiration date associated with the selected electronic coupon; inresponse to receiving the information indicating the selected electroniccoupon, transmitting, via the communication network, identificationinformation of the first data structure to the user device; receiving,from a terminal device via the communication network, a couponredemption authorization request, the request comprising theidentification information of the first data structure, and an itemidentifier representing a purchased item; comparing the item identifierand a dollar amount of the purchased item to coupon information storedin the first data structure; and in response to comparing the itemidentifier and the dollar amount of the purchased item to the couponinformation stored in the first data structure, sending in real-time,via the communication network, an approval signal to the terminaldevice.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: displaying, viaan access portal, a plurality of electronic coupons in response to asearch query sent by the user device.
 18. The method of claim 17,further comprising: sorting the displayed electronic coupons accordingto at least one of coupon sponsor, product type, service type, productsize, brand name, or expiration date.
 19. The method of claim 17,further comprising: displaying, via the access portal, a clickable iconor a selectable check box for each of the plurality of electroniccoupons.
 20. A non-transient computer-readable medium comprising acomputer program that, when executed by a processor, causes theprocessor to perform operations comprising: receiving, from a userdevice via a communication network, information indicating an electroniccoupon selected by a user; loading, in a first data structure associatedwith the user device, a coupon identifier, a dollar amount, and anexpiration date associated with the selected electronic coupon; inresponse to receiving the information indicating the selected electroniccoupon, transmitting, via the communication network, identificationinformation of the first data structure to the user device; receiving,from a terminal device via the communication network, a couponredemption authorization request, the request comprising theidentification information of the first data structure, transaction dataregarding a purchase, and an item identifier representing a purchaseditem; comparing the item identifier and a dollar amount of the purchaseditem to coupon information stored in the first data structure; and inresponse to comparing the item identifier and the dollar amount of thepurchased item to the coupon information stored in the first datastructure, sending in real-time, via the communication network, anapproval signal to the terminal device.